Diggers bat against unfamiliar territory
A-grade champions struggle for back-to-back wins
We haven’t played our best cricket so hopefully we can change that this weekend and win through to the grand final.
– Kris Glass
trent.slatter@thechronicle.com.au FACING a sudden-death semi-final is unfamiliar territory for two-time TCI A-grade champions Northern Brothers Diggers.
Diggers have been unbeatable in the two-day format over the past two summers during which time they also raised the one-day and Twenty20 trophies.
But the stunning resurrection of Wests this season has seen Diggers relegated to second place in the longest format of the game. That means they’ll take on Metropolitan-Easts in this weekend’s semi-final at Heritage Oval for the right to face Wests in the decider.
Mets have been in sensational form after a slow start to the two-day season, dropping just one game since Christmas.
Diggers, on the other hand, have been patchy since the festive break as they have failed to put together back-to-back wins.
The defending champions are also coming off a shock loss to two-day wooden spooners Railways last weekend.
Captain Kris Glass admitted Diggers had been down on form but he wasn’t concerned abour their chances against Mets.
“Obviously winning form is best form,” Glass said.
“We haven’t played our best cricket so hopefully we can change that this weekend and win through to the grand final.
“We’re looking pretty good. We’ve prepared as best we can.”
While Diggers have not enjoyed the same dominance this summer, they are fortunate to have retained most of the side which won the past two premierships.
English quick Aaron Watson was a noteable loss but Diggers still have the likes of Mick Miller and Blake Anderson leading their finals charge.
Former Shield player Miller is in vintage form with 40 wickets at an incredible average 9.03 in the two-day competition.
Miller also had 254 runs at an average of 63.50 while Anderson is leading the way for Diggers with 298 at 42.57.
Glass believed that experience would be a huge boost as Diggers chase a third-straight premiership.
“We’ve got a similar team to last year. A lot of guys who have done the job before,” he said.
“There’s a couple of new blokes but everyone has been there and done it before so that should be beneficial this weekend.”